High School Aerospace Scholars Qualify for the X PRIZE Competition
2006/2007
One of only twelve men to walk on the moon, Pete Conrad had a vision to open the space frontier to the public through innovative projects. Though Conrad passed away in 1999, his legacy of innovation and education lives on through the X PRIZE Foundation’s Spirit of Innovation award. This prestigious, world premier competition calls for teams of high school students to design a concept that will benefit the rapidly growing personal spaceflight industry.
Six High School Aerospace Scholar (HAS) alumni were selected as finalists in the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award competition in October 2007. Of the ten teams qualifying as finalists, three were teams of former High School Aerospace Scholars.
Ellice Tan (HAS Week 1 blue) and her team PenguinED led the way with their concept to create a company that would provide a high level of space education to public and private schools. Penguin Education won the $1,500 third place prize.
Team SUDDS, Space Utility for Decontamination and Deodorization System, was comprised of four 2007 HAS students: Elliot Rosen (HAS Week 2 red), J.C. Simpson (HAS Week 6 grey), Abel Cortinas (HAS Week 7 white), and Danyella Howell (HAS Week 7 grey). The SUDDS team envisioned a washing machine that can help maintain a high level of hygiene in space.
Finally, HAS student Alex Schlebach (HAS Week 7 red) led his team Aerospace Concepts to create a personalized spacesuit that provides flexibility and comfort to anyone.